Opening day DNR deer checks at normal pace

Thursday

Nov 15, 2012 at 3:41 PMNov 15, 2012 at 8:31 PM

Hunters seeing many deer despite EHD

Karin Armbrusterkarin.armbruster@sentinel-standard.com

As the first day of gun season entered into the noon hour, hunters from around the county stopped by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Flat River Field Office in Belding to check their deer.

About 20 deer were checked before noon, and Flat River Field Office Technician Donna Jones said the number is right on track. She and fellow employee John Niewoonder are expecting to check between 40 and 60 deer Thursday, she added.

"This is about normal because of opening day," said Jones. "We'll probably see more tomorrow."

Last year, she said opening day brought in 31 deer and the day after hunters checked 60 deer.Niewoonder said once a hunter brings in a deer, the DNR will measure the diameter of the antlers and count points, which have to be at least one inch to be an official point. In addition, the deer's age and location where it was hunted is recorded.

Mike Weber of Ionia and Jim Scott of Belding brought in bucks to be checked after hunting earlier in the day in North Plains and Keene townships.

Weber said he and his friends have limited the number of tags purchased because of the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak from the summer.

"We're only planning to shoot bucks this year," said Weber.

He said he has seen good numbers of deer, even in one of the areas most affected by EHD.

Scott said he also is seeing larger numbers this year, but believes it is because the farm land where he hunts has not been removed of the crops, which provides cover for the deer.

He said he plans on processing the deer for venison, adding he is not concerned about consuming meat from deer that may be infected with EHD.

"I have no problem with that," said Scott.

Prior to hunting season, the DNR issued a statement saying venison infected with EHD is still safe to eat because humans cannot contract the disease or be harmed because of it.